First Odessa Field Day a Success
See photos from the field day
Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge normally closes its gates to visitors from September 15 to January 31 each year in order to minimize disturbance to migrating birds. This year they were reopened September 16 for a special event, allowing more than 50 visitors a chance to see the area up close.
Participants in the first Odessa Field Day could explore the refuge on their own or attend up to three field tours led by experts from across Iowa. Topics for the talks covered a wide range of topics from turtles to water level management.
Paul Mayes, a zoologist who teaches at Muscatine Community College had his groups dipping nets into the water to study the bugs and other small critters that make up the bottom of the food chain.
Birding enthusiasts could tag along with volunteer Chuck Fuller from Burlington or Neil Bernstein, a professor from Mount Mercy College to catch a glimpse of the abundant bird life on the area.
Most of the participants at the field day had not been to the refuge before and were impressed by what they saw.
“A lady came up to me after the first session and said ‘Thanks for providing places like this,’” commented refuge manager Tom Cox. “That’s exactly why we wanted to have this event - she didn’t even know this place existed before.”
Port Louisa is one of only five national wildlife refuges in Iowa. It is part of the 6,400-acre wetland complex that also includes Odessa Wildlife Management Area. Both areas are managed as habitat for migratory birds.
Though the refuge is closed now, it is open from February 1 to September 14 each year for many types of recreation that are compatible with its mission. While birding and nature photography are the most popular activities, visitors can also bike or hike on the service roads and trails. Paddlers can use the Odessa Water Trail’s North Route which winds through the refuge.
For more information about the Port Louisa NWR and Odessa WMA or to view photos from the Odessa Field Day, visit www.NaturallyLouisaCounty.com.
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